Upside: Although Mozilla has done stunningly well -- some attribute IE's recent popularity decline to Firefox -- it can't do everything. Anyone using Firefox every day will notice that certain Web sites don't render quite right in it, and some secure sites, such as banks, still require IE for login. The Netscape prototype allows you to browse most of the time with Gecko, which is arguably more secure software, then switch to IE rendering if you need it. The switch is easy in the nascent Netscape interface, which offers Firefox-style tabbed browsing (ah, how we love you, tabbed browsing). Just type in a URL, then click an icon on the tab that reloads the page in IE. You won't see any change in the browser shell or interface -- just the Web site rerendered on the same tab.
The early Netscape version also packs in many more gewgaws than spartan Firefox. Beyond your basics, such as an address bar and navigation buttons, Netscape throws in two newsfeed tickers as well as prominent icons for a pop-up blocker and an automated form-filler. In our very informal use of this prototype, pages load refreshingly quickly.
Outlook: Given this browser's unique talent -- rendering in two different engines -- a future public release will make life easier for millions of surfers. Besides, the more IE competition in the world, the more likely we'll get better browsers with better security, updated regularly. That said, most of us already have IE installed, and the ability to use both engines within the same interface may not be enough to justify bothering with yet another browser install, especially one so self-referential. Stay tuned for a full review when the final version comes out.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
22/01/2005, 12:51 AM
I luv it!!
Report offensive comment